5 Things We Learned From the First Leg of the Spanish Super Cup

5 Things We Learned From the First Leg of the Spanish Super Cup

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The Spanish Super Cup is contested by the winner of the Copa del Rey and the La Liga. This year, the trophy is contested by Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. The first leg took place at the home of Real Madrid with a scoreline of 1-1. Here is a list of five things to take away from today’s game.

5. Iker Casillas

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5. Iker Casillas

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It seems as though the Spanish international captain will be the first-choice goalkeeper for Real Madrid this season. This summer saw the arrival of Keylor Navas and the departure of Diego Lopez. There was much debate about who the Los Blancos No. 1 would be, but with Lopez leaving for Milan and Navas only being selected for a single friendly, San Iker is first choice once again.

4. Atletico Leave It for the Second Leg

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4. Atletico Leave It for the Second Leg

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With a precious away goal in hand, Atletico Madrid head to the Vincente Calderon. Atletico looked comfortable with a 0-0 scoreline before Real Madrid scored the first goal. The Colchoneros head to the second leg with an away goal advantage, but both teams still have it all to do to win the Spanish Super Cup.

3. Neither Angel Di Maria Nor James Rodriguez Starts for Real Madrid

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3. Neither Angel Di Maria Nor James Rodriguez Starts for Real Madrid

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It was Toni Kroos, Xabi Alonso and Luka Modric who got the nod in the midfield. Di Maria was the best player against Atletico in the UEFA Champions League Final, but his exclusion comes as a surprise as new signing Rodriguez did not start. It should be noted that los Merengues' midfield looked solid with Alonso and Kroos together.

2. Injury Scare to Cristiano Ronaldo

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2. Injury Scare to Cristiano Ronaldo

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Cristiano Ronaldo was substituted at halftime for James Rodriguez. Ronaldo was seen limping off after going up for a header in the 41st minute. The Portuguese international has struggled with a knee injury throughout the latter stages of last season and during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. If Ronaldo’s injury is long-term, it could affect Real Madrid’s ability to sell Di Maria and their ability to chase every trophy.

1. Atletico Uses the Same Dark Arts

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1. Atletico Uses the Same Dark Arts

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Throughout the game it was clear that Athletico Madrid was more interested in frustrating the Real Madrid players by harassing the official and wasting time to break up opposition play. Diego Simone and troops made the most of every little touch and hounded the referees at every opportunity. The Atletico players made sure to leave a foot in on every challenge to take down their opposing players.